Hymn by Hymn
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STLT#369, This is the Truth That Passes Understanding
The truth that passes understanding right now is how it’s been a year already. A year ago today, I started this spiritual practice. At the time I thought I’d reflect a little on my own experience of singing and maybe have some interesting conversations with some friends who noticed. I did not anticipate this becoming… Continue reading
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STLT#368, Now Let Us Sing
It’s 24 hours since nearly five dozen people died and nearly 600 were wounded by a single gunman wreaking terror in Las Vegas. And I still don’t have words, only the heaviness in my heart that is both sad and outraged. That is, I suppose, why the Universe keeps doing this: putting cheerful, aspirational, hopeful songs… Continue reading
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STLT#367, Allelu, Allelu
I need to begin with a prayer for those harmed by the mass shooting in Las Vegas – I don’t have words yet for my sadness and rage. I only have this Kyrie. Please take a moment to listen with me: Amen. — Okay. Now on to today’s hymn, which is a shocking juxtaposition: it… Continue reading
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STLT#366, Heleluyan
This is an amazing alleluia that comes out of the Muscogee Creek hymn tradition – which appears to emerge from the congregational line singing tradition. In a 2014 story on All Things Considered, Dr. Hugh Foley, a fine arts instructor and Native American history professor at Rogers State University in Claremore, OK, explains more about… Continue reading
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STLT#365, Praise God
Hey, now this one is interesting. Back in the 1920s, the humanist-theist battle was already taking shape, and much the same as now, worship becomes the battleground for such controversies. Charles Lyttle, minister and professor of church history at Meadville, wrote these lyrics for a doxology “as a bridge” between the two theological factions. Praise… Continue reading
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STLT#364, Alleluia, Alleluia
WHY DON’T I KNOW MORE OF THESE PIECES? This Alleluia, by Jacques Berthier, is just gorgeous. It is spirited. It encourages harmony – something we shouldn’t be surprised by, since Jacques wrote music for the Taize community. We have more of his work in Singing the Journey, which makes me very happy. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.… Continue reading
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STLT#363, Alleluia! Sang Stars
I have no idea why I have never heard nor sung this song. It seems a shame, because it is lovely. And I’m not sure what else to say. The music, by Patrick Rickey, is a lush, rolling piece in 12/8; it’s fairly easy to sing, but just tricky enough to keep you interested. And… Continue reading
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STLT#362, Rise Up, O Flame
We have now entered (and rejoiced, and came in) a new phase in this practice – the short songs. The rounds, the doxologies, the introits, the chalice lightings, and the benedictions. I have no idea how this section will feel. I admit that this morning it feels a little disappointing, as there’s not much to… Continue reading
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STLT#361, Enter, Rejoice, and Come In
It is said that into every hymnal a little cheesy, catchy, happy song must fall. This one’s ours, folks. And as far as cheesy, catchy, happy songs go, well, this one covers all the bases and then some. Because in the middle of some rather average invitations – “open your ears to the song” and… Continue reading
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STLT#360, Here We Have Gathered
Now this is an entrance song. Welcoming in all kinds of ways, with nothing for us to …wait…nothing for us to be upset… oh … Dammit. It’s not as good as I’d hoped. “We of all ages, women, children, men, infants and sages, sharing what we can” reads the second verse. It uses binary language for gender.… Continue reading
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links
Learn more about my ministry at The Art of Meaning
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